Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has harshly responded to criticism by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Speaking on Sunday, June 15, Kalonzo slammed Kindiki for attempting to woo him to support President William Ruto's broad-based government.

The former vice president asked Kindiki to apologise for the death of Gen Zs during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, when he served as the Interior Cabinet Secretary.

The Wiper party leader also asked Kindiki to apologise over the death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang.

"You (Kindiki) should have apologised to Kenyans because you were the Interior Minister when Gen Zs were killed. Let's start there. Then also apologise for Ojwang's killing because you are the Deputy President," Kindiki said.

Kalonzo ruled out attempts by Kindiki for him to join the Kenya Kwanza government, insisting that he would stick with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to remove Ruto from power in 2027.

In a quick rejoinder, Kindiki said he had no problem with Kalonzo's decision to rule out working with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration.

Kindiki ruled out publicly answering Kalonzo's unkind criticism, arguing that it's not his type of politics.

"I hear my big brother Kalonzo has said he doesn’t wish to work with me politically. That is fine with me. For the unkind things he has said about me, I won’t answer him back publicly, not because I can’t, but because I never do public duels with people I respect," Kindiki said.

However, the second-in-command warned that he might be forced to take Kalonzo head-on if he continues with his falsehood unprovoked.

"Nevertheless, if he continues with his falsehoods unprovoked, I will happily tackle him head-on. Respect is a two-way street. For now, Kalonzo will remain the good big brother I have known for decades," the DP warned.

While serving as the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki strongly defended the actions of police officers during the Tuesday, June 25 protests that led to the deaths of several demonstrators.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Security and Administration Committee on Thursday, September 26, the former Interior CS firmly stated that law enforcement was justified in using force.

Kindiki argued that it was necessary to prevent further chaos and protect critical national institutions.

He, however, distanced the police from being solely responsible for the deaths, suggesting that not all the protesters were shot by police bullets.

Source: TUKO.co.ke